Photochemical Strain‐Release‐Driven Cyclobutylation of C(sp3)‐Centered Radicals

A new photoredox‐catalyzed decarboxylative radical addition approach to functionalized cyclobutanes is described. The reaction involves an unprecedented formal Giese‐type addition of C(sp³)‐centered radicals to highly strained bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes. The mild photoredox conditions, which make use of a readily available and bench stable phenyl sulfonyl bicyclo[1.1.0]butane, proved to be amenable to a diverse range of α‐amino and α‐oxy carboxylic acids, providing a concise route to 1,3‐disubstituted cyclobutanes. Furthermore, kinetic studies and DFT calculations unveiled mechanistic details on bicyclo[1.1.0]butane reactivity relative to the corresponding olefin system.     

Beiträge zur Chemie des Phosphors. 221 [1]. Stannylsubstituierte Bicyclo [1.1.0]tetraphosphane: Bildung und Eigenschaften von R3Sn(H)P4 (R  CH3, C6H5, c-C6H11, o-C7H7)

Contributions to the Chemistry of Phosphorus. 221. Stannyl-Substituted Bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphanes: Formation and properties of R₃Sn(H)P₄ (R ? CH₃, C₆H₅, c-C₆H₁₁, o-C₇H₇) The unsymmetrically substituted bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphanes Me₃Sn(H)P₄ ( 1 ), Ph₃Sn(H)P₄ ( 2 ), (c-Hex)₃Sn(H)P₄ ( 3 ) and (o-Tol)₃Sn(H)P₄ ( 4 ) have been obtained by reaction of a solution of (Na/K) HP₄ with R₃ SnCl (R ? Me, Ph, c-Hex, o-Tol) under proper conditions. The structure of the compounds 1 – 4 , which are only stable in solution, has been elucidated by means of ³¹P-NMR-spectroscopy. Whereas 3 exists at ?60°C as the exo,endo isomer, 1, 2 and 4 are fluctuating molecules at room temperature and probably invert between the three possible configurational isomers (exo,exo-, exo,endo- and endo,endo-form).     

Stereoselective Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of Extremely Distorted Chiral Nanographenes Embedding Hextuple Helicenes

We report a molecular design and concept using π-system elongation and steric effects from helicenes surrounding a triphenylene core toward stable chiral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a maximal π-distortion to tackle their aromaticity, supramolecular and molecular properties. The selective syntheses, and the structural, conformational and chiroptical properties of two diastereomeric large multi-helicenes of formula C₉₀H₄₈ having a triphenylene core and embedding three [5]helicene units on their inner edges and three [7]helicene units at their periphery are reported based on diastereoselective and, when applicable, enantiospecific Yamamoto-type cyclotrimerizations of racemic or enantiopure 9,10-dibromo[7]helicene. Both molecules have an extremely distorted triphenylene core, and one of them exhibits the largest torsion angle recorded so far for a benzene ring (twist=36.9°).     

Beiträge zur Chemie des Phosphors. 227. HP4º als Komplexligand: Bildung und Eigenschaften von [(η5-C5H5)2ZrCl(P4H)], [(η5-C5Me5)2ZrCl(P4H)] und [(η5-C5H5)3Zr(P4H)]

Contributions to the Chemistry of Phosphorus. 227. HP₄º as a Complex Ligand: Formation and Properties of [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂ZrCl(P₄H)], [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂ZrCl(P₄H)], and [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₃Zr(P₄H)] The novel complexes [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂ZrCl(P₄H)] ( 1 ), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂ZrCl(P₄H)] ( 2 ), and [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₃Zr(P₄H)] ( 3 ) have been obtained by reaction of a solution of (Na/K)HP₄ with the zirconocen derivatives [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₂ZrCl₂], [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)₂ZrCl₂], and [(η⁵-C₅H₅)₃(η¹-C₅ H₅)Zr] under suitable conditions. The structure of the compounds 1 – 3 , which are only stable in solution, has been elucidated by means of ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy. It is highly probable that the exo,endo isomer exists in each case. In addition, further isomers of lower relative abundancies have been observed, in which the ligands presumably exhibit a different spatial orientation relatively to each other.     

Synthesis of Bicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes by a Cobalt‐Catalyzed Multiple C(sp3)−H Activation Strategy

A cobalt‐catalyzed dual C(sp³)−H activation strategy has been developed and it provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of bicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes and bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes. A key to the success of this reaction is the conformation‐induced methylene C(sp³)−H activation of the resulting cobaltabicyclo[4.n.1] intermediate. In addition, the synthesis of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane from pivalamide, by a triple C(sp³)−H activation, has also been demonstrated.     

Coverage-Controlled Superstructures of C3-Symmetric Molecules: Honeycomb versus Hexagonal Tiling

The competition between honeycomb and hexagonal tiling of molecular units can lead to large honeycomb superstructures on surfaces. Such superstructures exhibit pores that may be used as 2D templates for functional guest molecules. Honeycomb superstructures of molecules that comprise a C₃ symmetric platform on Au(111) and Ag(111) surfaces are presented. The superstructures cover nearly mesoscopic areas with unit cells containing up to 3000 molecules, more than an order of magnitude larger than previously reported. The unit cell size may be controlled by the coverage. A fairly general model was developed to describe the energetics of honeycomb superstructures built from C₃ symmetric units. Based on three parameters that characterize two competing bonding arrangements, the model is consistent with the present experimental data and also reproduces various published results. The model identifies the relevant driving force, mostly related to geometric aspects, of the pattern formation.     

A novel synthesis of bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones from cyclobutanones through [chloro(p-tolylsulfinyl)methylidene]cyclobutanes with ring expansion

Treatment of [chloro(p-tolylsulfinyl)methylidene]cyclobutanes, which were synthesized from cyclobutanones and chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide in three steps in high overall yields, with excess cyanomethyllithium gave enaminonitriles in high yields. Heating of these enaminonitriles with H₃PO₄ in acetic acid gave 2-cyanobicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones in good yield. On the other hand, treatment of the [chloro(p-tolylsulfinyl)methylidene]cyclobutanes with cyanomethyllithium followed by lithium carbanion of the homologues of acetonitrile afforded enaminonitriles having a substituent at the 3-position. Heating of the enaminonitriles with H₃PO₄ in acetic acid gave 2-substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones in good to high yields. This method offers a novel and versatile procedure for synthesis of 2-substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones from cyclobutanones in good overall yields.     

Bicyclo[3.2.1]octenones as Building Blocks in Natural Product Synthesis (IV): Formal Synthesis of (±)-Hydroxyloganin Aglucone

A formal synthesis of (±)-hydroxyloganin aglucone from bicyclo[3.2.1]octenone 1 is described. Ring opening of syn-8-(methanesulfonyloxy)-1-phenylthiotricyclo[4.2.1.0^3,7]non-4-en-2-one 14 with potassium hydroxide is the key reaction.     

Rh(I)-catalyzed ring-closing reaction of allenynes: selective construction of cycloheptene, bicyclo[5.3.0]decadienone, and bicyclo[5.2.0]nonene frameworks

Highly selective formation of cycloheptene, bicyclo[5.3.0]decadienone, and bicyclo[5.2.0]nonene skeletons from tri- and tetrasubstituted allenynes has been achieved via a Rh(I)-catalyzed ring-closing reaction and proper choice of substrate and/or reaction conditions.     

Synthesis of spiro[4.5]decane and bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane ring systems by self-cyclization of (Z)- and (E)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienal derivative

The two title carbon frameworks were synthesized utilizing a new type of iron-induced cyclization reaction of 2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienal. 2-Methylspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-1-one was obtained from (Z)- and (E)-4-cyclohexylidene-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-enal. It was found that the (Z)-substrate isomerized to (E)-intermediate followed by cyclization to afford the initial product, 2-methylenespiro[4.5]dec-3-en-1-ol, which was isomerized to the above product. The cyclization of 4-(4-alkyl)cyclohexylidene-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-enal proceeded stereoselectively. While, (E)-3-(cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)prop-2-en-1-al cyclized immediately affording 8-methylenebicyclo[4.3.0]non-9-en-7-ol. The corresponding (Z)-isomer gave several cyclization products as a complex mixture.     

Self-cyclization of (E)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienol derivative. Synthesis of bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane ring systems

Utility and limitation of the title reaction was studied. When (E)-3-(4-t-butyl- and 4-phenylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)prop-2-en-1-ols were treated with Ms₂O or MsCl, 3-t-butyl- and 3-phenyl-8-methylbicyclo[4.3.0]nona-1(6),7-dienes were obtained, respectively. The corresponding (Z)-isomer afforded a complex mixture, among which an elimination product was detected. (E)-4-(4-t-Butylcyclohexylidene)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-en-1-ol afforded only elimination product.     

Donor–Acceptor Complex Enables Alkoxyl Radical Generation for Metal‐Free C(sp3)–C(sp3) Cleavage and Allylation/Alkenylation

The alkoxyl radical is an essential and prevalent reactive intermediate for chemical and biological studies. Here we report the first donor–acceptor complex‐enabled alkoxyl radical generation under metal‐free reaction conditions induced by visible light. Hantzsch ester forms the key donor–acceptor complex with N ‐alkoxyl derivatives, which is elucidated by a series of spectrometry and mechanistic experiments. Selective C(sp³)‐C(sp³) bond cleavage and allylation/alkenylation is demonstrated for the first time using this photocatalyst‐free approach with linear primary, secondary, and tertiary alkoxyl radicals.     

B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed Ring Opening and Isomerization of Unactivated Cyclopropanes

Catalytic amounts of B(C₆F₅)₃ promote the ring opening and subsequent isomerization of a series of unactivated cyclopropanes to afford terminal olefins in good yields when a hydrosilane and 2,6‐dibromopyridine are employed as additives.     

Formal synthesis of (±)-udoteatrial hydrate

The formal synthesis of antimicrobial diterpene udoteatrial hydrate (1) is described in nine steps. Diol 6 used as starting material. The key intermediate 4 was obtained from bicyclic ketone 5 via the key Norrish type I reaction.     

Visible‐Light‐Promoted Iron‐Catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp3) Kumada Cross‐Coupling in Flow

A continuous‐flow, visible‐light‐promoted method has been developed to overcome the limitations of iron‐catalyzed Kumada–Corriu cross‐coupling reactions. A variety of strongly electron rich aryl chlorides, previously hardly reactive, could be efficiently coupled with aliphatic Grignard reagents at room temperature in high yields and within a few minutes’ residence time, considerably enhancing the applicability of this iron‐catalyzed reaction. The robustness of this protocol was demonstrated on a multigram scale, thus providing the potential for future pharmaceutical application.     

Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP)-Based Straight-Shaped Diphosphine Ligands**

[1.1.1]Propellane, which is structurally simple and compact, exhibits promising potential for the synthesis of disubstituted straight-shaped bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) compounds by manipulation of its highly reactive internal C−C bond. BCPs are considered to be isosteres of 1,4-disubstituted benzenes, which have found broad applications in the areas of functional molecules and drug discovery. The internal C−C single bond of [1.1.1]propellane is regarded as a charge-shift bond, which can be readily cleaved by radical means to construct BCPs. We herein report a novel synthetic method for (un)symmetric diphosphines based on the BCP motif, which can be interpreted as isosteres of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzenes. The obtained BCP-diphosphine derivatives were used to generate a straight-shaped Au complex and an Eu-based coordination polymer.     

Synthesis of (+)-(1S,2R) and (−)-(1R,2S)-2-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acids

(+)-(1S,2R) and (−)-(1R,2S)-2-aminocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acids have been prepared in >97% ee and in 33% and 20% overall yields starting from a single, chiral, bicyclic compound perceived as a chiral uracil equivalent. Construction of the cyclobutane ring is achieved via a [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction of this chiral precursor with ethylene.     

Regioselective Vinylation of Remote Unactivated C(sp3)−H Bonds: Access to Complex Fluoroalkylated Alkenes

Regioselective incorporation of a particular functional group into aliphatic sites by direct activation of unreactive C?H bonds is of great synthetic value. Despite advances in radical‐mediated functionalization of C(sp³)?H bonds by a hydrogen‐atom transfer process, the site‐selective vinylation of remote C(sp³)?H bonds still remains underexplored. Reported herein is a new protocol for the regioselective vinylation of unactivated C(sp³)?H bonds. The remote C(sp³)?H activation is promoted by a C‐centered radical instead of the commonly used N and O radicals. The reaction possesses high product diversity and synthetic efficiency, furnishing a plethora of synthetically valuable E alkenes bearing tri‐/di‐/mono‐fluoromethyl and perfluoroalkyl groups.